Post by prism_wolf on Jan 6, 2007 15:22:41 GMT -8

Since the other thread had defunct pictures we've decided to start a new sticky for ideas of enclosures (indoor and out) and the pictures of set ups we have. Pictures of free-roam set-ups are also important. PLEASE keep the file size manageable! I guess I'll start.

INSIDE ENCLOSURE

At the time the enclosure was made I used the wooden frame and plywood for the sides, top and bottom with an open front using screen from internetplastic.com/ . It's 6'T x 6'W x 2'D. I would have preferred 3'D but the cage plan started out differently (first pic) and changed once I realized I had made a phone booth. The original UVB was two 4' Reptisun 5.0 tubes set about 8" away from the basking area and a 150W heat bulb. There's one full-length shelf that goes across the top and two partial shelves tapered down. One large branch stretches from the floor to the top shelf.

The cage is made in two halves with everything attached to one side or the other so everything can stay for ease in moving. I DID need to detach the 4' fluorescent light fixture because it was attached to both sides. Now I use a merc vapor and that's no longer an issue.

Changes I would make if I was to do it again.

Start out with lights outside of the enclosure.

Use Plexiglas instead of mesh (although I could still add removable panels if I really wanted to).

Start out with plastic tacked to the bottom of the enclosure.

Add castors.

Use different fasteners to secure the halves together. I've had to fortify with Velcro straps because the big lug can shake the cage enough to pop the latches...including the ones used to hold the doors closed.

Use adjustable plastic coated wire shelving for easy cleaning, and ease in moving up or down as needed to compensate easily for his growth.

OUTSIDE ENCLOSURE

This enclosure is based on the design from this website - www.geocities.com/RainForest/9008/pvccage.html and is 6'L x 4'T x 2'D. It cost about $150. I think it can be built for less, just depends where you live I guess. These were local suppliers I went through and got 160 feet of 2 1/2" pvc for 27 cents a foot. I used almost all of the pvc.

The mesh was used with what I had left over from the 37 feet I ordered from Industrial Netting for the doors on the other enclosure. Their product is originally for fisheries so it's meant to last outdoors. They send out free sample packages to those who call and ask.

The panels are all held together with bolts so it can be broken down and transported if needed. Zipties hold the mesh on. These need to be checked at the beginning of every season and spot checked through the outdoor months. The ties do deteriorate. The PVC is very easy to cut...as is the plastic mesh.

The mister was bought from Wal-mart in the garden dept. It's a great addition!

Changes if I were to do it again:

Make it MUCH bigger!

Use smaller diameter PVC (the corners don't quite match up on the larger diameter angled connectors leaving large gaps for smaller igs to fit through)

Post by prism_wolf on Jan 6, 2007 16:11:45 GMT -8

Other inside enclosure

If I was to ever win the lottery and actually be able to purchase one of these Cages By Design cages I would get these for the birds, too. There are two igs housed in this donated enclosure. The picture of the picture of the ig is the "plaque" and the ig who used to be housed in this before it was donated. There are two separate basking areas complete with heat sources and a Mega Ray EB for each. I have since changed the set-up slightly by adding a large water trough for pooping and using the natural looking pool the dining area. Emptying the "natural" pool proofed pretty difficult when it had to be tipped to be brought out of the enclosure. I fill a small kitty litter pan up with food and place it in the "pool".

Changes if I was to purchase one of my own:

Choose the option with the screened top rather than the enclosed one so the lights can go on the outside. Plans are being made to remove a couple of panels (hopefully without compromising the strength and stability of the frame) to add the lights to the outside.

Post by on Jan 16, 2007 8:52:17 GMT -8

just wondered if anyone had any ideas on this?i am planning onu extending gizmos viv soon.but i am not sure what style is best to extend her vi,theres a picture of her viv in photo gallery.i just wondered if there was any type to avoid.because of her back.i did think about an aviary flight on the front,but i then thought this probably wouldnt be safe for her

Post by prism_wolf on Jan 18, 2007 19:22:35 GMT -8

Because iguanas still like high places...and she's still young and will be fairly active for some time yet...you might have a real dilemma. I suggest building something no higher than about 4' T, but give it a lot of space in other directions. My suggestion would be something like 122 cm tall x 183 cm Long x 122 cm Deep. A ramp system could work well for her where there are gradual elevations to the next level. Placing the ramps so if she should happen to slip from a higher level she would only fall to the ramp a short distance below. Using Plexiglas instead of mesh will keep her from trying to climb...as well as holding in the humidity levels.

Putting it up on an elevated surface, such as cinder blocks to raise the cage up off the floor about 60 cm would be a real plus. This will still give her the feeling of being higher while the floor is still close.

Hopefully this has given you a few ideas. It's not easy building for a handicapped ig...but I think you can do a real nice job if you use some imagination... .

Post by Yungair23 on Jan 25, 2007 8:39:52 GMT -8

This works well for those Juvies. Also will work for Adults if you allow them to free roam most of the time as well. Closet set up. Wire shelving ramps, Clamp Dome Lamp with a Mercury Vapor Light hanging from a hook in the ceiling...

Post by prism_wolf on Jan 30, 2007 11:03:07 GMT -8

Any paint that is water-based is fine to use. Make sure you follow instructions on drying procedures, then put some lights on it for heat and let it "cure" the fumes out of it some more. Often once it's dry and the lights/heat source is added it will bring out the fumes again in fresh paint...so taking care of that before putting Giz in there will ensure the fumes don't harm her... ;D.

Post by Yungair23 on Feb 24, 2007 16:33:34 GMT -8

Safety for sure. Iguana's get nosy and like to try to climb there fixtures and get burned. Some are just a little loose up there and like the get as warm as possible if this means pressing the backs right up to the bulb and burning until they feel they cooked there sking enough lol...Its safety!